Did he find another partner?

Lila did not know how she managed to get some sleep after that, but perhaps it was due to her newfound determination, but she slept peacefully for the first time in a long time.

"Who is that hottie with Miss Lila?"

"It's the underworld, King Soichiro!"

"No way, why is he--?"

"Apparently, people saw Miss Lila leave his room this morning."

Despite the group of girls being far away, Lila could hear them clearly. Why do they have to talk so loudly? She exhaled deeply. Even though she tried to leave Soichiro's room stealthy, a servant who woke up early saw her.

Her gaze fell on the culprit who was speaking with the parliament members.

"Sir Soichiro, the truth is my daughter hasn't stopped talking about you since the last time. I was hoping you would have dinner with her."

'Hey, hey, is this really the right time to set up dates?'

That poor girl, appearances aren't everything. Sure Soichiro may look handsome, but with his weird personality and low IQ, what girl would ever consider-

Lila paused in mid-thought as Yori's face appeared in her mind. What did her friend do to deserve liking something like that?

"Hm? What do you think, my dear?"

Her eyes twitched, annoyed. She wasn't even part of the conversation. Moreover, that endearing address of 'my dear' This bastard is having fun that people misunderstand their relationship.

"I don't think it's any of my business," Lila said coldly.

"Of course, it's your business. Are you upset because I didn't satisfy you enough last night?"

Her eyes twitched, annoyed. This guy is doing this deliberately! What is with that suggestive tone and those words?

Those who were not paying attention to the conversation before immediately looked over.

"Don't worry, my dear, you satisfied with me plenty." Soichiro casually lifted his collar, revealing the dark markings she made when she drank his blood.

"Wow."

"It seems like it was true."

The other hanyous seemed revealed. For them, she needs to have multiple partners. But the humans looked at her in disdain.

"She is just a bitch."

Soichiro wrapped his arms around her waist. "Let's go somewhere, my dear."

Lila didn't say anything but let him lead her out of the room. Once it was just them, Lila stepped on his foot.

"Soichiro, what are you trying to do!"

"Ouch, your way too violent." Soichiro trailed off and cupped her cheeks. "My dear, Austin Kiryu will be out stationed for at least a week and a half."

"Ah, so you're saying your creating ambiguous rumors to protect me?"

"Correct. Do you not know how some of the hanyou men in the assembly look at you?"

"How do they look at me?" Lila tilted her head puzzled.

"They look at you like a carnivore does with their prey."

"Don't be so rude."

"You know it's true! You're the only hanyou female in the assembly. They'll never bother with the human women."

That's true; she never thought of it that way.

"If it was your mother, nobody would have such thoughts unless they want to end up a corpse. But your different." Soichiro looked annoyed. "This is why I told you to stop acting weak."

"I thought I was acting like a dignified leader-"

"The moment you declared that Karashima Haruka was your only one, you simply became a woman fighting for the one they love."

Lila blinked once and then twice. So, her declaration had other negative side effects.

She looked at the man in front of her. "You don't mind? Me using you as a scapegoat?"

"My dear, if you don't use me, who will you use?"

"Kouta-kun or Eijiro? Their identities may be more suitable-" Lila trailed off once she saw his expression. "Forget it; you will do."

"So you can be smart."

"You're always questioning my IQ, but I have to question your EQ."

"Is there a difference?"

"Forget it."

"Miss Lila!" One of the guards assigned to the gate rushed over.

"Is there a problem?"

"Just now at the gate-- a strange woman appeared injured."

"Strange woman?"

"I think she is one of our kind. But, there is something weird about her."

"I'll come right away."

"Also, the person she came with--"

Lila's eyes widened when she heard the guard's words. "Lead the way."

It seemed that the guards were not sure what to do. Thankfully instead of alerting the old hanyous, they came to her first. She knew many underestimated her position as head of the assembly.

Lila felt her footsteps increase; each step felt very heavy.

Soichiro silently followed behind her. He did not say anything until they arrived in front of the room.

"What?" Lila turned to him.

"You should let me handle this."

Lila sighed. "How can I let a third party interfere with matters towards my husband and me?"

"You're asking for it; just wait. The moment you enter that room, you will be sad."

Lila rolled her eyes and went past him to push open the door. "Why would I be--" She froze on the spot. A familiar scent caught her attention.

It was the scent of a hanyou male who had found their hanyou partner. But, how can that be? Haruka said they would complete the ceremony once he returned.

'Mine and Kiryu's mark hasn't vanished.'

Lila was fully aware of this fact. But she was under the impression it would vanish once Haruka completed his training. That was why she didn't bother checking the mark anymore.

However, this confirms that Haruka must have found another partner.

Soichiro walked over to Haruka. "It doesn't seem like he has completed the ceremony, though. His mark is still faint. I don't think he has digested that girl's blood too."

A relieved sigh passed her lips as she walked over. Lila scanned her husband on the bed, and she felt her cheeks color. He was in his hanyou state, so his hair color was different.

He looked more mature and handsome.

Soichiro's eyes twitched, annoyed. "Don't fawn over him."

"But-but look at him. He looks good enough to eat."

'I really want to pounce on him.'

"This guy got lucky; time is almost up."

Right, she almost marched out herself to find him. But it's weird. "Where's Zane?"

Zane didn't rush off, did he? Lila recalled those moments where she passed by and saw the two working on the medicine together. That can't be possible. She hated to admit it, but the two appeared to have a strong bond.

"I'll find out." Soichiro took out his phone. "What happened to the woman?" He asked the guard who remained at the door.

"Her injuries seemed severe, so we are treating her in the next room. The scent of a hanyou female's blood is strong; that's why we took her here."

That does make sense. If Soichiro is correct, the young hanyou males in the assembly are all horny fools. It would be dangerous if they smelled her blood.

"Good, keep her there. Don't let her out."